Electromagnetic interference immune pacing/defibrillation lead

ABSTRACT

An electromagnetic interference immune defibrillator lead has a first electromagnetic insulating layer. A first layer is formed on the first electromagnetic insulating layer, the first layer having a plurality of first conductive rings composed of first conductive material, each first conductive ring being separated by first insulating material. A second electromagnetic insulating layer is formed on the first layer. A second layer is, formed on the second electromagnetic insulating layer, the second layer having a plurality of second conductive rings composed of second conductive material, each second conductive ring being separated by second insulating material. A third electromagnetic insulating layer is formed on the second layer. The second conductive rings of second conductive material are positioned such that a second conductive ring overlaps a portion of a first conductive ring and overlaps a portion of a second conductive ring, the second conductive ring being adjacent to the first conductive ring. The second electromagnetically insulating layer is composed of a self-healing dielectric material.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of Ser. No. 11/140,066, filedMay 27, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,801,625, which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to electromagnetic interference immunepacing/defibrillation leads. More specifically, the present inventionpertains to the use of dielectric materials with defibrillation leadswhich enables a conductive path for defibrillation pulses and is immuneto electromagnetic interference induced voltages.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Magnetic resonance imaging has been developed as an imaging techniqueadapted to obtain both images of anatomical features of human patientsas well as some aspects of the functional activities of biologicaltissue. These images have medical diagnostic value in determining thestate of the health of the tissue examined.

In a magnetic resonance imaging process, a patient is typically alignedto place the portion of the patient's anatomy to be examined in theimaging volume of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. Such amagnetic resonance imaging apparatus typically comprises a primarymagnet for supplying a constant magnetic field (B₀) which, byconvention, is along the z-axis and is substantially homogeneous overthe imaging volume and secondary magnets that can provide linearmagnetic field gradients along each of three principal Cartesian axes inspace (generally x, y, and z, or x₁, x₂ and x₃, respectively). Amagnetic field gradient (ΔB₀/Δx_(i)) refers to the variation of thefield along the direction parallel to B₀ with respect to each of thethree principal Cartesian axes, x_(i). The apparatus also comprises oneor more RF (radio frequency) coils which provide excitation anddetection of the magnetic resonance imaging signal.

The use of the magnetic resonance imaging process with patients who haveimplanted medical assist devices; such as cardiac assist devices orimplanted insulin pumps; often presents problems. As is known to thoseskilled in the art, implantable devices (such as implantable pulsegenerators, leads, cardioverters, defibrillators, and/or pacemakers) aresensitive to a variety of forms of electromagnetic interference (EMI)because these enumerated devices include sensing and logic systems thatrespond to low-level electrical signals emanating from the monitoredtissue region of the patient. Since the sensing systems and conductiveelements of these implantable devices are responsive to changes in localelectromagnetic fields, the implanted devices are vulnerable to externalsources of severe electromagnetic noise, and in particular, toelectromagnetic fields emitted during the magnetic resonance imagingprocedure. Thus, patients with implantable devices are generally advisednot to undergo magnetic resonance imaging procedures.

Continuing with the example of shielding from magnetic resonance imaginginterference, it is noted that magnetic resonance imaging procedures arethe most widely applied medical imaging modality, with the exception ofx-ray procedures. Significant advances occur daily in the magneticresonance imaging field, expanding the potential for an even broaderusage.

There are primarily three sources of voltage that could lead to themalfunction of an implantable device, during a magnetic resonanceimaging procedure. First, a static magnetic field is generally appliedacross the entire patient to align proton spins. Static magnetic fieldstrengths up to 7 Tesla for whole body human imaging are now in use forresearch purposes. The increase in field strength is directlyproportional to the acquired signal to noise ratio (SNR) which resultsin enhanced magnetic resonance image resolution. Consequently, there isimpetus to increase static field strengths, but with caution for patientsafety. These higher field strengths are to be considered in thedevelopment of implantable devices.

It is noted that for image acquisition and determination of spatialcoordinates, time-varying gradient magnetic fields of minimal strengthare applied in comparison to the static field. The effects of thegradients are seen in their cycling of direction and polarity. Withpresent day pulse sequence design and advances in magnetic resonanceimaging hardware, it is not uncommon to reach magnetic gradientswitching speeds of up to 50 Tesla/sec (this is for clinical proceduresbeing used presently). Additionally, fast imaging techniques such asecho-planar imaging and turbo FLASH are in use more frequently in theclinic. Non-invasive magnetic resonance angiography uses rapidtechniques almost exclusively on patients with cardiovascular disease.

Previous research evaluating the effects of magnetic resonance imagingon pacemaker function did not include these fast techniques. Therefore,the use of magnetic resonance imaging for clinical evaluation forindividuals with implantable cardiac devices may be an issue of evengreater significance. Rapid magnetic resonance imaging techniques useultra-fast gradient magnetic fields. The polarities of these fields areswitched at very high frequencies. This switching may damage implantabledevices or cause them to malfunction.

Lastly, in magnetic resonance imaging, a pulsed RF field is applied forspatial selection of the aligned spins in a specimen during a magneticresonance imaging procedure. USFDA regulations relative to the powerlimits of the RF fields are in terms of a specific absorption rate(SAR), which is generally expressed in units of watts per kilogram.These limits may not consider the effects on implantable devices, as thedeleterious effects of transmission of RF fields in the magneticresonance imaging system may no longer be the primary concern in theirdesign parameters.

It is noted that an implanted device; such as a cardioverter,defibrillator, and/or pacemaker; is used to sustain a patient's lifethrough the regulation of cardiac function. Hence, such patients wouldbe barred from safely availing themselves of magnetic resonance imagingas a diagnostic tool unless their implanted device is effectivelyshielded from the strongest interference that could be expected from aconventional magnetic resonance imaging session.

Of particular concern is the interaction between a conventional magneticresonance imaging session and leads that are utilized by the implantabledevices. These leads can function as antenna and convey the voltage fromthe conventional magnetic resonance imaging session to the implanteddevice or to the tissue of the patient. In one instance, the implantabledevice may be damaged, thereby jeopardizing the ability to sustain thelife of the patient. In the other instance, the tissue of the patientmay be seriously injured by the conveyed voltage.

It has been proposed to utilize filters in the leads to block thedamaging voltage from being conveyed along the lead. Such filters maycontain inductors and capacitors. However, these filters can alsointerfere with the desired signals being communicated along the leads toand from the implantable device and the tissue region of interest.

For example, a filter on a defibrillator lead must be able to block thedamaging voltage from the magnetic resonance imaging session, but alsobe able to provide a viable path for a large voltage pulse todefibrillate a patient's heart. Conventional filter leads have notreliably provided the desired blocking power of the damaging voltagefrom the magnetic resonance imaging session and still consistentlyprovide a viable path for a large voltage pulse to defibrillate apatient's heart because these components breakdown after the firstdefibrillation pulse, thereby destroying the ability to block thedamaging voltage from the magnetic resonance imaging session.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a defibrillator lead that blocksthe damaging voltage from the magnetic resonance imaging session.Moreover, it is desirable to provide a defibrillator lead that blocksthe damaging voltage from the magnetic resonance imaging session andprovides a viable path for a large voltage pulse to defibrillate apatient's heart.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is an electromagneticinterference immune pacing/defibrillation lead. The electromagneticinterference immune pacing/defibrillation lead includes a pacing lead; afirst electromagnetic insulating layer formed around the pacing lead; afirst layer formed on the first electromagnetic insulating layer, thefirst layer having a plurality of first conductive rings composed offirst conductive material, each first conductive ring being separated byfirst insulating material; a second electromagnetic insulating layerformed on the first layer; a second layer formed on the secondelectromagnetic insulating layer, the second layer having a plurality ofsecond conductive rings composed of second conductive material, eachsecond conductive ring being separated by second insulating material;and a third electromagnetic insulating layer formed on the second layer.The second conductive rings of second conductive material are positionedsuch that a second conductive ring overlaps a portion of a firstconductive ring and overlaps a portion of an adjacent first conductivering.

A second aspect of the present invention is an electromagneticinterference immune pacing/defibrillation lead. The electromagneticinterference immune pacing/defibrillation lead includes a pacing lead; afirst electromagnetic insulating layer formed around the pacing lead; afirst layer, formed on the first electromagnetic insulating layer, thefirst layer having a plurality of first conductive rings composed offirst conductive material, each first conductive ring being separated byfirst insulating material; a second electromagnetic insulating layerformed on the first layer; a second layer, formed on the secondelectromagnetic insulating layer, the second layer having a spiralingcoil of loops, the spiraling coil being composed of second conductivematerial, each loop being separated by second insulating material; and athird electromagnetic insulating layer formed on the second layer. Thespiraling coil of loops is positioned such that a section of thespiraling coil of loops ring overlaps a portion of a first conductivering and overlaps a portion of an adjacent first conductive ring.

A third aspect of the present invention is an electromagneticinterference immune defibrillation lead. The electromagneticinterference immune defibrillation lead includes a first electromagneticinsulating layer; a first layer, formed on the first electromagneticinsulating layer, the first layer having a plurality of first conductiverings composed of first conductive material, each first conductive ringbeing separated by first insulating material; a second electromagneticinsulating layer formed on the first layer; a second layer, formed onthe second electromagnetic insulating layer, the second layer having aplurality of second conductive rings composed of second conductivematerial, each second conductive ring being separated by secondinsulating material; and a third electromagnetic insulating layer formedon the second layer. The second conductive rings of second conductivematerial are positioned such that a second conductive ring overlaps aportion of a first conductive ring and overlaps a portion of an adjacentfirst conductive ring.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is an electromagneticinterference immune defibrillation lead. The electromagneticinterference immune defibrillation lead includes a first electromagneticinsulating layer; a first layer, formed on the first electromagneticinsulating layer, the first layer having a plurality of first conductiverings composed of first conductive material, each first conductive ringbeing separated by first insulating material; a second electromagneticinsulating layer formed on the first layer; a second layer, formed onthe second electromagnetic insulating layer, the second layer having aspiraling coil of loops, the spiraling coil being composed of secondconductive material, each loop being separated by second insulatingmaterial; and a third electromagnetic insulating layer formed on thesecond layer. The spiraling coil of loops is positioned such that asection of the spiraling coil of loops ring overlaps a portion of afirst conductive ring and overlaps a portion of an adjacent firstconductive ring.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is a method of forming anelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead. The methodprovides a first electromagnetic insulating layer; forms metalizedstrips on the first electromagnetic insulating layer; provides a secondelectromagnetic insulating layer; forms metalized strips on the secondelectromagnetic insulating layer; provides a third electromagneticinsulating layer; and fuses the first, second, and third electromagneticinsulating layers together such that the metalized strips on the firstelectromagnetic insulating layer contact the third electromagneticinsulating layer and the metalized strips on the second electromagneticinsulating layer contact the third electromagnetic insulating layer.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a method of constructing anelectromagnetic interference immune pacing/defibrillator lead. Themethod provides a pacing lead; wraps a first tape, spirally, around thepacing lead, the first tape being composed of a first insulatingsubstrate with conductive strips formed thereon, the first tape beingwrapped such that the first insulating substrate is adjacent thedefibrillator lead, the conductive strips being formed at an angle onthe first insulating substrate such that upon wrapping the conductivestrips form conductive rings that conduct circumferentially; wraps asecond tape, spirally, around the first tape, the second tape beingcomposed of a second insulating substrate; and wraps a third tape,spirally, around the second tape, the third tape being composed of athird insulating substrate with conductive strips formed thereon, thethird tape being wrapped such that the conductive strips are adjacentthe second tape, the conductive strips being formed at an angle on thethird insulating substrate such that upon wrapping the conductive stripsform conductive rings that conduct circumferentially.

Another aspect of the present invention is an electromagneticinterference immune implantable medical device. The device includes aselectively conductive structure. The selectively conductive structureincludes a first electromagnetic insulating layer; a first layer, formedon the first electromagnetic insulating layer, the first layer having aplurality of first conductive rings composed of first conductivematerial, each first conductive ring being separated by first insulatingmaterial; a second electromagnetic insulating layer formed on the firstlayer; a second layer, formed on the second electromagnetic insulatinglayer, the second layer having a plurality of second conductive ringscomposed of second conductive material, each second conductive ringbeing separated by second insulating material; and a thirdelectromagnetic insulating layer formed on the second layer. The secondconductive rings of second conductive material are positioned such thata second conductive ring overlaps a portion of a first conductive ringand overlaps a portion of an adjacent first conductive ring.

Another aspect of the present invention is an electromagneticinterference immune implantable medical device. The device includes aselectively conductive structure. The selectively conductive structureincludes a first electromagnetic insulating layer; a first layer, formedon the first electromagnetic insulating layer, the first layer having aplurality of first conductive rings composed of first conductivematerial, each first conductive ring being separated by first insulatingmaterial; a second electromagnetic insulating layer formed on the firstlayer; a second layer, formed on the second electromagnetic insulatinglayer, the second layer having a spiraling coil of loops, the spiralingcoil being composed of second conductive material, each loop beingseparated by second insulating material; and a third electromagneticinsulating layer formed on the second layer. The spiraling coil of loopsis positioned such that a section of the spiraling coil of loops ringoverlaps a portion of a first conductive ring and overlaps a portion ofan adjacent first conductive ring.

Another aspect of the present invention is an electromagneticinterference immune modular defibrillation lead. The lead includes afirst conductive modular lead, the first conductive modular leadincluding a conductive layer insulated by electrically insulatingmaterial, the first conductive modular lead including a first interfaceand a second interface; a capacitor modular component, the capacitormodular component including a capacitor having a self-healingdielectric, the capacitor modular component having a first interface tomatch the first interface of the first conductive modular lead; and asecond conductive modular lead, the second conductive modular leadincluding a conductive layer insulated by electrically insulatingmaterial, the second conductive modular lead including a first interfaceand a second interface. The second interface of the second conductivemodular lead matches the second interface of the capacitor modularcomponent.

A further aspect of the present invention is an electromagneticinterference immune modular defibrillation lead. The lead includes aplurality of conductive modular leads, each conductive modular leadincluding a conductive layer insulated by electrically insulatingmaterial, each first conductive modular lead including a first interfaceand a second interface; and a plurality of capacitor modular components,each capacitor modular component being connected between two conductivemodular leads, each capacitor modular component including a capacitorhaving a self-healing dielectric, each capacitor modular componenthaving a first interface to match a first interface of a conductivemodular lead.

A further aspect of the present invention is an electromagneticinterference immune modular defibrillation lead. The lead includes aplurality of capacitor modular components, each capacitor modularcomponent being connected to adjacent capacitor modular components, eachcapacitor modular component including a capacitor having a self-healingdielectric, each capacitor modular component having a first interface tomatch a first interface of an adjacent capacitor modular component.

A further aspect of the present invention is an electromagneticinterference immune modular defibrillation lead. The lead includes afirst electromagnetic insulating layer; a first layer, formed on thefirst electromagnetic insulating layer, the first layer being composedof first conductive material; a second electromagnetic insulating layerformed on the first layer; a second layer, formed on the secondelectromagnetic insulating layer, the second layer being composed ofsecond conductive material; and a third electromagnetic insulating layerformed on the second layer. A proximal end of the first layer isconnected to a voltage source. A distal end of the second layer isconnected to an electrode to apply voltage to heart tissue. A distal endof the first layer is electrically insulated. A proximal end of thesecond layer is electrically insulated.

A further aspect of the present invention is an electromagneticinterference immune modular defibrillation lead. The lead includes afirst electromagnetic insulating layer; a first layer, formed on thefirst electromagnetic insulating layer, the first layer being composedof first conductive material; a second electromagnetic insulating layerformed on the first layer; a second layer, formed on the secondelectromagnetic insulating layer, the second layer being composed ofsecond conductive material; and a third electromagnetic insulating layerformed on the second layer. A proximal end of the second layer isconnected to a voltage source. A distal end of the first layer isconnected to an electrode to apply voltage to heart tissue. A distal endof the second layer is electrically insulated. A proximal end of thefirst layer is electrically insulated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may take form in various components andarrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements ofsteps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating a preferredembodiment and are not to be construed as limiting the presentinvention, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an electromagnetic interference immunepacing/defibrillation lead according to the concepts of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a circuit equivalent of the electromagneticinterference immune defibrillation lead of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a method of forming an electromagnetic interferenceimmune defibrillation lead structure according to the concepts of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates the result of the method illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates an electromagnetic interference immune defibrillationlead according to the concepts of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates the method of constructing an electromagneticinterference immune pacing/defibrillator lead according to the conceptsof the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a method of making one layer of the electromagneticinterference immune defibrillation lead structure utilized in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates another method of forming an electromagneticinterference immune defibrillation lead structure according to theconcepts of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate method of making one layer of theelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead structureutilized in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 illustrates a modular electromagnetic interference immunedefibrillation lead structure according to the concepts of the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a connection configuration for one end of themodular electromagnetic interference immune defibrillation leadstructure, as illustrated in FIG. 10, according to the concepts of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a connection configuration for another end of themodular electromagnetic interference immune defibrillation leadstructure, as illustrated in FIG. 10, according to the concepts of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of a modular electromagneticinterference immune defibrillation lead structure according to theconcepts of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of a modular electromagneticinterference immune defibrillation lead structure according to theconcepts of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of a modular electromagneticinterference immune defibrillation lead structure according to theconcepts of the present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of an electromagneticinterference immune pacing/defibrillation lead according to the conceptsof the present invention; and

FIG. 17 illustrates a circuit equivalent of the electromagneticinterference immune defibrillation lead of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of an electromagneticinterference immune pacing/defibrillation lead according to the conceptsof the present invention; and

FIG. 19 illustrates a circuit equivalent of the electromagneticinterference immune defibrillation lead of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described in connection with preferredembodiments; however, it will be understood that there is no intent tolimit the present invention to the embodiments described herein. On thecontrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, andequivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention, as defined by the appended claims.

For a general understanding of the present invention, reference is madeto the drawings. In the drawings, like references have been usedthroughout to designate identical or equivalent elements. It is alsonoted that the various drawings illustrating the present invention arenot drawn to scale and that certain regions have been purposely drawndisproportionately so that the features and concepts of the presentinvention could be properly illustrated.

As noted above, it is desirable to provide a defibrillator lead thatblocks the damaging voltage from the magnetic resonance imaging session.Moreover, it is desirable to provide a defibrillator lead that blocksthe damaging voltage from the magnetic resonance imaging session andprovides a viable path for a large voltage pulse to defibrillate apatient's heart.

One solution to providing a defibrillator lead that blocks the damagingvoltage from the magnetic resonance imaging session and provides aviable path for a large voltage pulse to defibrillate a patient's heartis to utilize a defibrillation lead having self-healing dielectricproperties. Moreover, such a structure should be flexible enough to notconstrict the conventional freedom of movement expected in such leads.

Self-healing dielectrics can be explained using the example of a shortcircuit in a plate capacitor insulated by a dielectric film. The shortcircuit causes arcing and decomposition of the dielectric film in thepath of the arc. Rather than permitting the decomposition to propagate,the hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and water decomposition products locallypassivate the adjacent metal film by vaporization or oxidation of themetal. The device is passivated before any significant current can flowinto the fault side of the device. The capacitor returns to itsoperative mode almost instantly. Examples of self-healing dielectricmaterials are cellulose triacetate and the cyanoresins.

Another example of a self-healing dielectric material is a structurecomposed of layers of aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). Such a structure ismanufactured by anodizing in two separate steps. This process increasesdielectric strength by breaking the continuous pore path found inmethods that apply only thicker anodic coatings.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an electromagnetic interference immunepacing/defibrillation lead is illustrated. More specifically, FIG. 1illustrates a cross-section that shows an electromagnetic interferenceimmune defibrillation lead having layers of self-healing dielectricmaterial 110 and patches of electrically conductive material 130 withpatches of insulating material 120 therebetween and a pacing wire 140.

The electrically conductive material 130 acts as a block for externalelectromagnetic interference. When electromagnetic interference inducesa charge between the two layers of electrically conductive material 130,the dielectric material 110 prevents a current from arcing between thetwo layers of electrically conductive material 130 because the voltagelevel of the current is less than the dielectric threshold of thematerial.

Conversely, when an intermittent burst of current flows along thedefibrillation lead having layers of self-healing dielectric material110 and patches of electrically conductive material 130, the voltage ofthat current is not significantly impeded because the voltage level ofthat current is such that a partial dielectric breakdown occurs in thedielectric material. When the intermittent burst of current is finished,the dielectric material rapidly self-heals and resumes its role inshielding the wire.

In a preferred embodiment, the self-healing dielectric material iscellulose triacetate and the electrically conductive material is copper.It is noted that other self-healing dielectric materials can be used inthe present invention, such as aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃).

It is noted that the defibrillation lead of FIG. 1 is a plurality ofcapacitors, self-healing dielectric material 110 between two patches ofconductive material 130. The capacitors can be connected in series,parallel, or a combination of both.

If the capacitors, self-healing dielectric material 110 between twopatches of conductive material 130, are connected in parallel, thecapacitance of each capacitor will add together. The use of a parallelcircuit of capacitors, self-healing dielectric material 110 between twopatches of conductive material 130, increases the total storage ofelectric charge. However, the total voltage rating of the capacitorsdoes not change. Every capacitor will “see” the same voltage. Thus, itis preferred that all the capacitors, self-healing dielectric material110 between two patches of conductive material 130, be rated for thesame voltage because the capacitor with lowest voltage rating willgovern the breakdown.

On the other hand, if the capacitors, self-healing dielectric material110 between two patches of conductive material 130, are connected inseries, the total capacitance of series connected capacitors will belower than any one capacitor in the circuit. The use of a parallelcircuit of capacitors, self-healing dielectric material 110 between twopatches of conductive material 130, offers a higher total voltagerating. In this embodiment, the voltage drop across each capacitor addsup to the total applied voltage. If the capacitors are different, thevoltage will divide itself such that smaller capacitors gets more of thevoltage because the capacitors get the same charging current, andvoltage is inversely proportional to capacitance. Moreover, if onecapacitor has a different capacitance, this capacitor will graduallyexceed its voltage rating, which will cause an arc through itsdielectric barrier and initiating arcing at other capacitors in acascading fashion.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the structure, formed by adjacent, butnon-coplanar patches of conductive material 130 and the self-healingdielectric material 110, creates a capacitance, thereby forming acircuit equivalent non-coplanar capacitor 133. Moreover, the structure,formed by adjacent coplanar patches of conductive material 130 and thepatch of insulating material 120 therebetween, creates a capacitance,thereby forming a circuit equivalent coplanar capacitor 135.

The insulating material 120 may be chosen for certain dielectricproperties in accordance with the desired breakdown properties betweenadjacent coplanar patches of conductive material 130. Thus, by changingdielectric properties of the insulating material 120, the overallcapacitance of the electromagnetic interference immune defibrillationlead can be varied. Moreover, it is noted that the insulating material120 may also be composed of a self-healing dielectric material such ascellulose triacetate, a cyanoresin, or layered aluminum oxide.

In the above description of FIG. 2, coplanar refers to conductivepatches being formed in a same layer or substrate or part of a commonwrap or tape, and non-coplanar refers to conductive patches being formedin different layers or substrates or part of different wraps or tapes.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a process for constructing an electromagneticinterference immune defibrillation lead is illustrated. In theillustrated embodiment, a strip of dielectric material 210 is fusedbetween two other strips (250 & 260), each of which is composed of alayer of polymer substrate with alternating patches of conductivematerial 220 and insulating spaces 240 deposited on one side. The twostrips with patches of conductive material (250 & 260) are positioned sothat the patches of conductive material 220 of one oppose and face theinsulating spaces 240 of the other before fusing the three strips (250,210, and 260) together. FIG. 4 illustrates an electromagneticinterference immune defibrillation lead substrate 300 resulting from theprocess of fusing the three strips (260, 210, and 250) together.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, an electromagnetic interference immunedefibrillation lead 400 is constructed using the process illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3. The electromagnetic interference immune defibrillationlead 400 is formed by rolling electromagnetic interference immunedefibrillation lead substrate 300 into a ‘C’ shaped tube.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a hollow heat-shrink pre-form 510 is wrappedwith layers (520, 530, and 540) which layers form an electromagneticinterference immune defibrillation lead. The hollow heat-shrink pre-form510, so wrapped, results in a heat-shrink assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, this assembly can be applied to anelectrically conductive wire.

In another preferred embodiment, this assembly can be applied to apacing lead. The wire, pacing lead, or any other linear product can beinserted into the wrapped, heat-shrink pre-form 510, which can then beheated causing shrinkage and thus binding to the wire, the pacing lead,or any other linear product.

With respect to FIG. 6, two of the three wraps (520 and 540) arecomprised of a self-healing dielectric material coated with analternating pattern of electrically conductive material and dielectricmaterial. The pattern is comprised of parallel stripes laid down at apredetermined angle with respect to the edge of the particular wrap. Thethird wrap 530 is comprised of dielectric material only, preferably aself-healing dielectric material.

The diagonally patterned conductive material in two of the three wraps(520 and 540) comes into contact when wrapped around the hollowheat-shrink pre-form to create shielding “rings” that conduct onlycircumferentially.

In a preferred embodiment, the wrap layers (520, 530, and 540), forminga defibrillation lead, after being applied as described above to ahollow heat-shrink pre-form 510, are finally coated with a conventionalbiocompatible layer to make the structure suitable for use inside thebody of the patient.

In a preferred embodiment, each wrap layer (520, 530, and 540) is about0.07 millimeters thick, thereby causing an overall increase in outerdiameter to be about 0.2 millimeters.

In a preferred embodiment, conventional thermoset materials can be usedto coat the structure formed when layers (520, 530, and 540) are wrappedaround the hollow heat-shrink pre-form 510, thus creating a solid orfirm shell for the defibrillation lead.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, a primary stock 610, a sheet of alternatingelectromagnetically insulating material 620 and electrically conductivematerial 630, is provided. Wraps (520 and 540) are cut from the primarystock 610 at a predetermined angle and a predetermined width.

In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined angle is 45°. Thepredetermined width can be any width in small enough to allow theelectrically conductive pacing wire to undergo the process of wrappingwhile at the same time being large enough to be processed by aconventional wrapping process as described above.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, four different types of wrapping stock areprovided. Each of the four types of wrapping stock is to be applied, inorder, to the electrically conductive pacing wire. The order ofapplication is first wrap 520 (having alternating electromagneticallyinsulating material 620 and electrically conductive material 630),second wrap 530, third wrap 540 (having alternating electromagneticallyinsulating material and electrically conductive material), and externalconventional biocompatible wrap 710. It is noted that the three warps(520, 530, and 540) form an electromagnetic interference immunedefibrillation lead.

In FIG. 9, a strip 830 with a width 810 equal to an outside diameterneeded to surround the electrically conductive pacing wire and a length820 equal to the length of the pacing wire is cut from primary stock610. A second strip, not shown in FIG. 9, with the same dimensions asstrip 830, is cut from dielectric material only. The second strip isthen placed on top of strip 830. Then, another strip, having the sameproperties of strip 830, is placed on top of the second strip. The threestrips are then rolled around the electrically conductive pacing wireforming a complete covering for the pacing wire and heat fused intoplace.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, an electromagnetic interference immunedefibrillation lead can be modularly constructed. In this embodiment, anelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead includes aplurality of conductive lead modules 900 connected together by acapacitor module 1000. Each conductive lead module 900 includes aconductor or conductive layer 950 that is insulated by insulatingmaterial 960.

At one end 910 of a conductive lead module 900, the conductor orconductive layer 950 is positioned at an outer boundary of theelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead. The positioningof the conductor or conductive layer 950 at an outer boundary of theelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead allows the end910 of the conductive lead module 900 to connect properly with theappropriate end of capacitor module 1000. FIG. 11 provides across-section view of end 910 of the conductive lead module 900.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the end 910 of a conductive lead moduleincludes a conductor or conductive layer 950 that is positioned at theouter boundary of the electromagnetic interference immune defibrillationlead. The conductor or conductive layer 950 is insulated by insulatingmaterial 960.

At the other end 920 of a conductive lead module 900, the conductor orconductive layer 950 is positioned at a center portion of theelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead. The positioningof the conductor or conductive layer 950 at a center portion of theelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead allows the end920 of a conductive lead module 900 to connect properly with theappropriate end of capacitor module 1000. FIG. 12 provides across-section view of end 920 of the conductive lead module 900.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the end 920 of a conductive lead moduleincludes a conductor or conductive layer 950 that is positioned at thecenter portion of the electromagnetic interference immune defibrillationlead. The conductor or conductive layer 950 is insulated by insulatingmaterial 960.

In FIG. 10, the capacitor module 1000 includes a capacitor formed by adielectric material 1200 sandwiched by a pair of conductors orconductive layers (1050 and 1100). The dielectric material 1200 may be aself-healing dielectric material such as cellulose triacetate, acyanoresin, or layered aluminum oxide.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, an electromagnetic interference immunedefibrillation lead can be modularly constructed. In this embodiment, anelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead includes aplurality of conductive lead modules 900 connected together by acapacitor module 1000. Each conductive lead module 900 includes aconductor or conductive layer 950 that is insulated by insulatingmaterial 960.

At one end 910 of a conductive lead module 900, the conductor orconductive layer 950 is positioned at an outer boundary of theelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead. The positioningof the conductor or conductive layer 950 at an outer boundary of theelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead allows the end910 of the conductive lead module 900 to connect properly with theappropriate end of capacitor module 1000. FIG. 11 provides across-section view of end 910 of the conductive lead module 900.

At the other end 925 of a conductive lead module 900, the conductor orconductive layer 950 is also positioned at an outer boundary of theelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead. The positioningof the conductor or conductive layer 950 at the outer boundary of theelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead allows the end925 of a conductive lead module 900 to connect properly with theappropriate end of capacitor module 1000.

In FIG. 13, the capacitor module 3000 includes a capacitor formed by adielectric material 1200 sandwiched by a pair of conductors orconductive layers (1050 and 1150). In this embodiment, conductor orconductive layer 1150 is formed within the capacitor module 3000 to thatpositioned on an opposite side of dielectric material 1200 fromconductor or conductive layer 1050. The dielectric material 1200 may bea self-healing dielectric material such as cellulose triacetate, acyanoresin, or layered aluminum oxide.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, an electromagnetic interference immunedefibrillation lead can be modularly constructed. In this embodiment, anelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead includes aplurality of conductive lead modules 900 connected together by acapacitor module 1000. Each conductive lead module 900 includes aconductor or conductive layer 950 that is insulated by insulatingmaterial 960.

At one end 910 of a conductive lead module 900, the conductor orconductive layer 950 is positioned at an outer boundary of theelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead. The positioningof the conductor or conductive layer 950 at an outer boundary of theelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead allows the end910 of the conductive lead module 900 to connect properly with theappropriate end of capacitor module 1000. FIG. 11 provides across-section view of end 910 of the conductive lead module 900.

At the other end 925 of a conductive lead module 900, the conductor orconductive layer 950 is also positioned at an outer boundary of theelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead. The positioningof the conductor or conductive layer 950 at the outer boundary of theelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead allows the end925 of a conductive lead module 900 to connect properly with theappropriate end of capacitor module 1000.

In FIG. 13, the capacitor module 3000 includes a capacitor formed by adielectric material 1200 sandwiched by a pair of conductors orconductive layers (1050 and 1150). In this embodiment, conductor orconductive layer 1150 is formed within the capacitor module 3000 to thatpositioned on an opposite side of dielectric material 1200 fromconductor or conductive layer 1050. The dielectric material 1200 may bea self-healing dielectric material such as cellulose triacetate, acyanoresin, or layered aluminum oxide.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, an electromagnetic interference immunedefibrillation lead can be modularly constructed. In this embodiment, anelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead includes aplurality of capacitor modules (3100, 3200, and 3300).

Each capacitor module (3100, 3200, and 3300) includes a capacitor formedby a dielectric material 1200 sandwiched by a pair of conductors orconductive layers (1050 and 1150). The capacitors of the variouscapacitor modules (3100, 3200, and 3300) are connected togetherserially.

In this embodiment, conductor or conductive layer 1150 is formed withinthe capacitor module 3000 to that positioned on an opposite side ofdielectric material 1200 from conductor or conductive layer 1050. Thedielectric material 1200 may be a self-healing dielectric material suchas cellulose triacetate, a cyanoresin, or layered aluminum oxide.

At one end 935 of a capacitor module (3100, 3200, or 3300), theconductor or conductive layer 1050 is positioned at an outer boundary ofthe electromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead. Thepositioning of the conductor or conductive layer 1050 at an outerboundary of the electromagnetic interference immune defibrillation leadallows the end 935 of a capacitor module (3100, 3200, or 3300) toconnect properly with the appropriate end 930 of an adjacent capacitormodule (3100, 3200, or 3300).

As illustrated in FIG. 15, an electromagnetic interference immunedefibrillation lead can be modularly constructed. In this embodiment, anelectromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead includes aplurality of capacitor modules (3100, 3200, and 3300).

Each capacitor module (3100, 3200, and 3300) includes a capacitor formedby a dielectric material 1200 sandwiched by a pair of conductors orconductive layers (1055 and 1155). The capacitors of the variouscapacitor modules (3100, 3200, and 3300) are connected together inparallel.

In this embodiment, conductor or conductive layer 1155 is formed withinthe capacitor module 3000 to that positioned on an opposite side ofdielectric material 1200 from conductor or conductive layer 1055. Thedielectric material 1200 may be a self-healing dielectric material suchas cellulose triacetate, a cyanoresin, or layered aluminum oxide.

At one end 935 of a capacitor module (3100, 3200, or 3300), theconductor or conductive layer 1055 is positioned at an outer boundary ofthe electromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead. Thepositioning of the conductor or conductive layer 1055 at an outerboundary of the electromagnetic interference immune defibrillation leadallows the end 935 of a capacitor module (3100, 3200, or 3300) toconnect properly with the appropriate end 930 of an adjacent capacitormodule (3100, 3200, or 3300).

In FIG. 16, an electromagnetic interference immune pacing/defibrillationlead is illustrated. More specifically, FIG. 16 illustrates across-section that shows an electromagnetic interference immunedefibrillation lead having layers of self-healing dielectric material110, patches of electrically conductive material 130 with patches ofinsulating material 120 therebetween, a pair of electrically conductivelayers or conductors (121 and 122), and a pacing wire 140.

The electrically conductive material 130 acts as a block for externalelectromagnetic interference. When electromagnetic interference inducesa charge between the pair of electrically conductive layers orconductors (121 and 122), the dielectric material 110 prevents a currentfrom arcing between the pair of electrically conductive layers orconductors (121 and 122) because the voltage level of the current isless than the dielectric threshold of the material.

Conversely, when an intermittent burst of current flows along thedefibrillation lead having layers of self-healing dielectric material110 and patches of electrically conductive material 130, the voltage ofthat current is not significantly impeded because the voltage level ofthat current is such that a partial dielectric breakdown occurs in thedielectric material. When the intermittent burst of current is finished,the dielectric material rapidly self-heals and resumes its role inshielding the wire.

In a preferred embodiment, the self-healing dielectric material iscellulose triacetate and the electrically conductive material is copper.It is noted that other self-healing dielectric materials can be used inthe present invention, such as aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃).

It is noted that the defibrillation lead of FIG. 16 is a plurality ofparallel serially connected capacitor pairs. A serially connectedcapacitor pair is formed by self-healing dielectric material 110 betweena patch of conductive material 130 and the pair of electricallyconductive layers or conductors (121 and 122), as illustrated in FIG.17.

By connecting the serially connected capacitor pairs in parallel, thecapacitance of each capacitor pair will add together. The use of aparallel circuit of capacitor pairs increases the total storage ofelectric charge. However, the total voltage rating of the capacitorsdoes not change. Every capacitor will “see” the same voltage. Thus, itis preferred that all the capacitor pairs be rated for the same voltagebecause the capacitor pair with lowest voltage rating will govern thebreakdown.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the structure; formed by a patch ofconductive material 130, the self-healing dielectric material 110, andthe pair of electrically conductive layers or conductors (121 and 122);creates a capacitance, thereby forming non-coplanar capacitors 133 or acapacitor pair. Moreover, the structure, formed by adjacent coplanarpatches of conductive material 130 and the patch of insulating material120 therebetween, creates a capacitance, thereby forming a circuitequivalent coplanar capacitor 135.

The insulating material 120 may be chosen for certain dielectricproperties in accordance with the desired breakdown properties betweenadjacent coplanar patches of conductive material 130. Thus, by changingdielectric properties of the insulating material 120, the overallcapacitance of the electromagnetic interference immune defibrillationlead can be varied. Moreover, it is noted that the insulating material120 may also be composed of a self-healing dielectric material such ascellulose triacetate, a cyanoresin, or layered aluminum oxide.

In the above description of FIG. 17, coplanar refers to conductivepatches being formed in a same layer or substrate or part of a commonwrap or tape, and non-coplanar refers to conductive patches being formedin different layers or substrates or part of different wraps or tapes.

In FIG. 18, an electromagnetic interference immune pacing/defibrillationlead is illustrated. More specifically, FIG. 18 illustrates across-section that shows an electromagnetic interference immunedefibrillation lead having a layer of self-healing dielectric material110 between a pair of electrically conductive layers or conductors (121and 122) and a pacing wire 140. A proximal end of one of theelectrically conductive layers or conductors (121 and 122) is connectedto an energy or voltage source (not shown) and the distal end of theelectrically conductive layer or conductor (121 or 122), not connectedto the energy or voltage source, is connected to an electrode (notshown) for applying the voltage to the heart tissue. The distal end ofthe electrically conductive layer or conductor (121 or 122) connected tothe energy or voltage source is electrically insulated. The proximal endof the electrically conductive layer or conductor (121 or 122) connectedto the electrode is electrically insulated. Thus, to complete theelectrical path, the electrical energy must arc through the layer ofself-healing dielectric material 110 between a pair of electricallyconductive layers or conductors (121 and 122).

When electromagnetic interference induces a charge between the pair ofelectrically conductive layers or conductors (121 and 122), thedielectric material 110 prevents a current from arcing between the pairof electrically conductive layers or conductors (121 and 122) becausethe voltage level of the current is less than the dielectric thresholdof the material.

Conversely, when an intermittent burst of current flows along thedefibrillation lead having a layer of self-healing dielectric material110 between a pair of electrically conductive layers or conductors (121and 122), the voltage of that current is not significantly impededbecause the voltage level of that current is such that a partialdielectric breakdown occurs in the dielectric material. When theintermittent burst of current is finished, the dielectric materialrapidly self-heals and resumes its role in shielding the wire.

In a preferred embodiment, the self-healing dielectric material iscellulose triacetate and the electrically conductive material is copper.It is noted that other self-healing dielectric materials can be used inthe present invention, such as aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃).

It is noted that the defibrillation lead of FIG. 18 is a singlecapacitor that traverses substantially the entire length of thedefibrillation lead. The capacitor 133 is formed by self-healingdielectric material 110 between the pair of electrically conductivelayers or conductors (121 and 122), as illustrated in FIG. 19.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, the structure, formed by the self-healingdielectric material 110 and the pair of electrically conductive layersor conductors (121 and 122), creates a capacitance, thereby forming acapacitor 133.

As noted above, the present invention is directed to an electromagneticinterference immune pacing/defibrillation lead. The device includes apacing lead; a first electromagnetic insulating layer formed around thepacing lead; a first layer formed on the first electromagneticinsulating layer, the first layer having a plurality of first conductiverings composed of first conductive material, each first conductive ringbeing separated by first insulating material; a second electromagneticinsulating layer formed on the first layer; a second layer formed on thesecond electromagnetic insulating layer, the second layer having aplurality of second conductive rings composed of second conductivematerial, each second conductive ring being separated by secondinsulating material; and a third electromagnetic insulating layer formedon the second layer.

The second conductive rings of second conductive material are positionedsuch that a second conductive ring overlaps a portion of a firstconductive ring and overlaps a portion of an adjacent first conductivering. The overlapping relationship between the conductive rings of thefirst layer and the conductive rings of second layer creating a circuitof a plurality of serially connected capacitors.

The first, second, and third electromagnetically insulating layers maybe composed of a self-healing dielectric material such as cellulosetriacetate, a cyanoresin, or layered aluminum oxide. The first andsecond insulating materials may be a self-healing dielectric materialsuch as cellulose triacetate, a cyanoresin, or layered aluminum oxide.

The dielectric material has a threshold greater than voltage induced bymagnetic resonance imaging or an undesired electromagnetic interferenceand less than voltage needed to initiate a breakdown of the dielectricmaterial and cause a defibrillation signal to be effectively conducted.

The second layer may have a spiraling coil of loops, the spiraling coilbeing composed of second conductive material, each loop being separatedby second insulating material. The spiraling coil of loops is positionedsuch that a section of the spiraling coil of loops ring overlaps aportion of a first conductive ring and overlaps a portion of an adjacentfirst conductive ring.

The electromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead includes afirst electromagnetic insulating layer; a first layer, formed on thefirst electromagnetic insulating layer, the first layer having aplurality of first conductive rings composed of first conductivematerial, each first conductive ring being separated by first insulatingmaterial; a second electromagnetic insulating layer formed on the firstlayer; a second layer, formed on the second electromagnetic insulatinglayer, the second layer having a plurality of second conductive ringscomposed of second conductive material, each second conductive ringbeing separated by second insulating material; and a thirdelectromagnetic insulating layer formed on the second layer.

The second conductive rings of second conductive material are positionedsuch that a second conductive ring overlaps a portion of a firstconductive ring and overlaps a portion of an adjacent first conductivering. The overlapping relationship between the conductive rings of thefirst layer and the conductive rings of second layer creating a circuitof a plurality of serially connected capacitors.

The first, second, and third electromagnetically insulating layers maybe composed of a self-healing dielectric material such as cellulosetriacetate, a cyanoresin, or layered aluminum oxide. The first andsecond insulating materials may be a self-healing dielectric materialsuch as cellulose triacetate, a cyanoresin, or layered aluminum oxide.

The dielectric material has a threshold greater than voltage induced bymagnetic resonance imaging or an undesired electromagnetic interferenceand less than voltage needed to initiate a breakdown of the dielectricmaterial and cause a defibrillation signal to be effectively conducted.

The second layer may have a spiraling coil of loops, the spiraling coilbeing composed of second conductive material, each loop being separatedby second insulating material. The spiraling coil of loops is positionedsuch that a section of the spiraling coil of loops ring overlaps aportion of a first conductive ring and overlaps a portion of an adjacentfirst conductive ring.

The electromagnetic interference immune defibrillation lead may beformed by providing a first electromagnetic insulating layer; formingmetalized strips on the first electromagnetic insulating layer;providing a second electromagnetic insulating layer; forming metalizedstrips on the second electromagnetic insulating layer; providing a thirdelectromagnetic insulating layer; and fusing the first, second, andthird electromagnetic insulating layers together such that the metalizedstrips on the first electromagnetic insulating layer contact the thirdelectromagnetic insulating layer and the metalized strips on the secondelectromagnetic insulating layer contact the third electromagneticinsulating layer. The method may also roll the fused first, second, andthird electromagnetic insulating layers to form a sleeve.

The metalized strips on the first electromagnetic insulating layer maybe positioned such that a metalized strip on the first electromagneticinsulating layer overlaps a portion of a first metalized strip on thesecond electromagnetic insulating layer and overlaps a portion of anadjacent metalized strip on the second electromagnetic insulating layer.The overlapping relationship between the metalized strips of the firstelectromagnetic insulating layer and the metalized strips of secondelectromagnetic insulating layer creating a circuit of a plurality ofserially connected capacitors.

The first, second, and third electromagnetically insulating layers maybe composed of a self-healing dielectric material such as cellulosetriacetate, a cyanoresin, or layered aluminum oxide. The dielectricmaterial has a threshold greater than voltage induced by magneticresonance imaging or an undesired electromagnetic interference and lessthan voltage needed to initiate a breakdown of the dielectric materialand cause a defibrillation signal to be effectively conducted.

An electromagnetic interference immune pacing/defibrillation lead may beformed by providing a pacing lead; wrapping a first tape, spirally,around the pacing lead, the first tape being composed of a firstinsulating substrate with conductive strips formed thereon, the firsttape being wrapped such that the first insulating substrate is adjacentthe pacing lead, the conductive strips being formed at an angle on thefirst insulating substrate such that upon wrapping the conductive stripsform conductive rings that conduct circumferentially; wrapping a secondtape, spirally, around the first tape, the second tape being composed ofa second insulating substrate; and wrapping a third tape, spirally,around the second tape, the third tape being composed of a thirdinsulating substrate with conductive strips formed thereon, the thirdtape being wrapped such that the conductive strips are adjacent thesecond tape, the conductive strips being formed at an angle on the thirdinsulating substrate such that upon wrapping the conductive strips formconductive rings that conduct circumferentially.

The third tape may be wrapped such that a conductive ring of the thirdtape overlaps a portion of a first conductive ring of the first tape andoverlaps a portion of a second conductive ring of the first tape, thesecond conductive ring of the first tape being adjacent to the firstconductive ring of the first tape. The overlapping relationship betweenthe conductive rings of the first tape and the conductive rings ofsecond tape creating a circuit of a plurality of serially connectedcapacitors.

The first, second, and third insulating substrates may be composed of aself-healing dielectric material such as cellulose triacetate, acyanoresin, or layered aluminum oxide. The dielectric material has athreshold greater than voltage induced by magnetic resonance imaging oran undesired electromagnetic interference and less than voltage neededto initiate a breakdown of the dielectric material and cause adefibrillation signal to be effectively conducted.

While various examples and embodiments of the present invention havebeen shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in theart that the spirit and scope of the present invention are not limitedto the specific description and drawings herein, but extend to variousmodifications and changes.

What is claimed is:
 1. An implantable medical electrical leadcomprising: a first conductive modular lead, said first conductivemodular lead including a conductive layer insulated by electricallyinsulating material, said first conductive modular lead including afirst interface and a second interface; a capacitor modular component,said capacitor modular component including a self-healing dielectricmaterial disposed between a pair of conductors, said capacitor modularcomponent having a second interface and a first interface configured tomatch and couple to said first interface of said first conductivemodular lead; and a second conductive modular lead, said secondconductive modular lead including a conductive layer insulated byelectrically insulating material, said second conductive modular leadincluding a first interface and a second interface; said secondinterface of said second conductive modular lead being matched with andcoupled to said second interface of said capacitor modular component,wherein the self healing dielectric material is configured to have adielectric voltage threshold less than a voltage produced by adefibrillation signal to permit effective conduction of thedefibrillation signal along the implantable medical lead and to have adielectric voltage threshold greater than a voltage induced by amagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) electromagnetic interference to inhibitconduction of the MRI electromagnetic interference along the implantablemedical lead.
 2. The lead as claimed claim 1, wherein said self-healingdielectric material is composed of cellulose triacetate.
 3. The lead asclaimed in claim 2, wherein said self-healing dielectric material has athreshold greater than voltage induced by undesired electromagneticinterference and less than voltage needed to initiate a breakdown ofsaid self-healing dielectric material and cause a defibrillation signalto be effectively conducted.
 4. The lead as claimed claim 1, whereinsaid self-healing dielectric material has a threshold greater thanvoltage induced by undesired electromagnetic interference and less thanvoltage needed to initiate a breakdown of said self-healing dielectricmaterial and cause a defibrillation signal to be effectively conducted.5. The lead as claimed claim 1, wherein said first interface of saidfirst conductive modular lead has said conductive layer positioned at acenter portion of said first conductive modular lead.
 6. The lead asclaimed claim 1, wherein said first interface of said first conductivemodular lead has said conductive layer positioned at an outer portion ofsaid first conductive modular lead.
 7. An implantable medical electricallead comprising: a plurality of conductive modular leads, eachconductive modular lead including a conductive layer insulated byelectrically insulating material, each first conductive modular leadincluding a first interface and a second interface; and a plurality ofcapacitor modular components, each capacitor modular component beingconnected between two conductive modular leads, each capacitor modularcomponent including a self-healing dielectric material disposed betweena pair of conductors, each capacitor modular component having a firstinterface configured to match and couple to a first interface of aconductive modular lead, wherein the self healing dielectric material isconfigured to have a dielectric voltage threshold less than a voltageproduced by a defibrillation signal to permit effective conduction ofthe defibrillation signal along the implantable medical lead and to havea dielectric voltage threshold greater than a voltage induced by amagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) electromagnetic interference to inhibitconduction of the MRI electromagnetic interference along the implantablemedical lead.
 8. The lead as claimed claim 7, wherein said self-healingdielectric material is composed of cellulose triacetate.
 9. The lead asclaimed in claim 8, wherein said self-healing dielectric material has athreshold greater than voltage induced by undesired electromagneticinterference and less than voltage needed to initiate a breakdown ofsaid self-healing dielectric material and cause a defibrillation signalto be effectively conducted.
 10. The lead as claimed claim 7, whereinsaid self-healing dielectric material has a threshold greater thanvoltage induced by undesired electromagnetic interference and less thanvoltage needed to initiate a breakdown of said self-healing dielectricmaterial and cause a defibrillation signal to be effectively conducted.11. The lead as claimed claim 7, wherein a multiple number of conductivemodular leads are serially connected together without a capacitormodular component therebetween.
 12. The lead as claimed claim 7, whereina multiple number of capacitor modular component s are seriallyconnected together without a conductive modular lead therebetween.